Pair: Lieutenant-General R. Richards, 3rd Bombay Infantry

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (Lieut. Robert Richards, Adjt. 3rd. Regt. N.I.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (Lieut., R Richards, 3rd. Bombay N.I.) minor edge bruising, generally good very fine (2) £800-£1,200

Provenance: J. B. Hayward, 1974; Nimrod Dix & Co., 1982.

Robert Richards was commissioned Ensign in the 3rd Bombay Native infantry on 13 November 1835, and was promoted Lieutenant on 8 October 1839. He served as staff officer to the Field Force at Wanga Bazaar and other places in the Thurr of greater Desert of Scinde from March 1843 to March 1844- this force opened the postal communication with the army under Sir Charles Napier, and suppressed the Robber Tribes in the Great Desert. He was subsequently present at the destruction of the forts of Deepa and Nowakote, belonging to the insurgent Amir Shere Shah Mahommed.

Richards served in the Punjab Campaign 1848-49 with the 3rd Bombay N.I., and was present at the siege and surrender of Mooltan, the battle of Goojerat, and the pursuit and surrender of the Sikh Army (medal with two clasps). Promoted Captain on 27 May 1849, he served with the Field Force under Colonel Bradshaw which penetrated the Eusofzie country north of Peshawar in December 1849, for the purpose of chastising the hill tribes on the Swat border. On 3 December 1849, a field force that included the 3rd Bombay N.I., moved from Peshawar with the intention of punishing certain villages. On 11 December they attacked and took the village of Sugao. The village was situated in a very strong position. The main body, that included the 3rd N.I., attacked and took the village. For his gallantry Richards was Mentioned in Despatches for this action. On 14 December, the force moved to Palai where the insurgent had assembled to the number of 10,000. The Field Force was divided into three columns for the attack. Three companies under Richards were in support of five companies of the 60th Rifles. The enemy made a short resistance and the heights were soon successful secured (Medal and clasp).

Richards was appointed Brevet Major on 18 February 1861, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel on 13 November 1861, and Brevet Colonel on 13 November 1867, and subsequently commanded the 6th Native Infantry. He was advanced Major-General on 1 October 1877, and promoted to his ultimate rank of Lieutenant-General on 1 July 1881. He died at Southsea, Hampshire, on 13 November 1884.

Sold with copied research, including the recipient’s extract from ‘Titled, Landed, and Official Classes’.